[go: up one dir, main page]
More Web Proxy on the site http://driver.im/

EP1010365B1 - Sanitary device for the deposition of domestic animals excrements - Google Patents

Sanitary device for the deposition of domestic animals excrements Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1010365B1
EP1010365B1 EP98941423A EP98941423A EP1010365B1 EP 1010365 B1 EP1010365 B1 EP 1010365B1 EP 98941423 A EP98941423 A EP 98941423A EP 98941423 A EP98941423 A EP 98941423A EP 1010365 B1 EP1010365 B1 EP 1010365B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
lift
cover
bowl
stools
irrigation
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP98941423A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1010365A1 (en
Inventor
Pilar Igual De Valles
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP1010365A1 publication Critical patent/EP1010365A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1010365B1 publication Critical patent/EP1010365B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01KANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K1/00Housing animals; Equipment therefor
    • A01K1/01Removal of dung or urine, e.g. from stables
    • A01K1/0107Cat trays; Dog urinals; Toilets for pets
    • A01K1/0114Litter boxes with screens for separating excrement from litter

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a sanitary device for the stools of household animals, of the type which comprises a bowl provided with a defecation bed on which the animal defecates, water irrigation means, disincrustant and/or disinfectant to dilute and wash away the stools and for cleaning the device, the bowl being provided at its essentially lower part with emptying means which can be attached to the pipes of a drain installation.
  • the device of this invention finds particular application in private dwelling houses or in communal areas.
  • devices which comprise a bowl provided with a defecation bed of gravel on which the animal defecates, such as that described in EP-A-0277863.
  • cleaning of the device itself calls for recourse to a manual action of cleaning "in situ", involving necessarily a certain degree of physical contact of the hands with the dirty parts of the device, which involves a second disadvantage, since it is unpleasant and can be a health hazard.
  • the alternative of removing the device to take it to a place where washing is more convenient and without threat to health, for example to an open area, is inconvenient and amounts to another disadvantage.
  • the object of this invention is a new embodiment of a sanitary device for the defecation of household animals, providing a solution to all the disadvantages described above and benefiting from improved hygiene and convenience.
  • the device of this invention is essentially characterised in that it is provided with
  • the device includes valve means for feed to the irrigation means, designed to cut off that feed when the lift-up cover is in its raised position.
  • the device can be adapted to a conventional sink, the irrigation means then being formed by the tap of the sink itself, and the products carried away during washing being poured in the sink drain.
  • the lift-up cover is driven electrically.
  • the sanitary device of the invention for the defecation of household animals is made up of a plate 1, essentially parallelepiped and open at the top, the interior of which is fitted with a grill 4, preferably removable, on which has been deposited a bed of a granular material 2, such as river gravel, sand or small pieces of synthetic plastic material.
  • the granular material 2 preferred for the defecation bed is of a plastic material such as polypropylene or the like, supplied in small pieces or grains, preferably coloured and without shine.
  • the grains can be made from reuse of plastic materials and have a maximum dimension not exceeding 3 mm, for which reason the grill 4 must have a mesh size of less than 3 mm.
  • the mesh of the grill is such that it does not allow the granular material 2 of the defecation bed above it to pass through.
  • the grill rests on the base 16 of the bowl 1 by means of supporting legs 10 (Fig. 3).
  • the bottom of the device is provided with a drainage pipe 3 for eliminating the waste by emptying the device.
  • the drainage pipe is designed to be connected to a household drainage installation and/or to the sewerage network.
  • the device has an articulated lift-up cover 5 which is hollow inside and is provided with a supply of water 11 and a supply of warm air 12, together with a plurality of diffuser orifices 6.
  • water can penetrate the lift-up cover along with a certain dosage of descaling and/or disinfectant products, in order to dilute and wash away the stools and clean the device, while through the air supply ducts 12 there can penetrate air which has been previously heated by conventional air-heating means, not shown in the drawings.
  • Said heating means can take the known form of a heating element beside a suitable fan.
  • the device can thus be used in two positions: an operational position in which the lift-up cover 5 is raised and in which the supply of water 11 and of air 12 are deactivated, so that the animal can defecate or urinate, as shown in Fig. 2, and a cleaning position in which the lift-up cover 5 is lowered, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3.
  • water with descaling and/or disinfectant product can enter the lift-up cover 5 and be evacuated through the orifices 6, in order to drag the stools through the grill for elimination via the drainage pipe 3. Warm air is then fed into the device in order to dry it.
  • Cleaning of the device can thus be carried out automatically at its actual location, without any need for the hands of a person to come into contact with the dirty parts of the device.
  • Figs. 1 and 2 show that the device is provided with a vertical, rectangular plate 9, positioned adjacent to the lift-up cover 5 when the latter is in its raised position, thereby forming means for the walls on which the device is situated clean and for supporting the leg of the animal, in the case of a dog, in which case the dog will tend to urinate with its leg lifted towards said plate.
  • the lift-up cover 5 is driven by electrical means, through controls 13 designed to actuate raising or lowering of the lift-up cover, washing with water, or with water and disinfectant, or with water and descaling agent, and drying of the device.
  • the device includes valve means, not shown, designed to cut off supplies of water and air when the device is in its operational position.
  • the raising and lowering of the lift-up cover 5 can be driven by motor means, which for the purposes of greater clarity have not been shown in the drawings.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Animal Husbandry (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Housing For Livestock And Birds (AREA)

Description

Technical field of the invention
This invention relates to a sanitary device for the stools of household animals, of the type which comprises a bowl provided with a defecation bed on which the animal defecates, water irrigation means, disincrustant and/or disinfectant to dilute and wash away the stools and for cleaning the device, the bowl being provided at its essentially lower part with emptying means which can be attached to the pipes of a drain installation.
The device of this invention finds particular application in private dwelling houses or in communal areas.
Background of the invention
Such a device is known from US-4-5458090.
Further a wide range of devices for disposing of the stools of household animals, which devices can be installed in the actual house of the owner of the animal or in a private communal area are known.
Amongst other types, known in the art are devices which comprise a bowl provided with a defecation bed of gravel on which the animal defecates, such as that described in EP-A-0277863.
Also known in the art is the use of means of water irrigation, descaling agent and disinfectant for dilution and washing away of the stools in order to clean the device following use thereof by the animal, and the aforesaid defecation bed being provided with emptying means that can be attached to the pipes of a waste water disposal sewage installation, such as a domestic wastewater installation. Patents WO 97/10705 and ES-A-2034863 make known devices of those characteristics.
Although in practice such devices work correctly, they have the initial disadvantage that their make-up and installation are generally complex, since they must normally be fixed unmovably in one permanent location.
Furthermore, cleaning of the device itself calls for recourse to a manual action of cleaning "in situ", involving necessarily a certain degree of physical contact of the hands with the dirty parts of the device, which involves a second disadvantage, since it is unpleasant and can be a health hazard. The alternative of removing the device to take it to a place where washing is more convenient and without threat to health, for example to an open area, is inconvenient and amounts to another disadvantage.
Description of the invention
The object of this invention is a new embodiment of a sanitary device for the defecation of household animals, providing a solution to all the disadvantages described above and benefiting from improved hygiene and convenience.
The device of this invention is essentially characterised in that it is provided with
  • a porous defacation bed made of a granular material on which animals defacates
  • a grill, mounted under the defecation bowl and provided with a sieve designed to allow the dissolved stools to pass but not the material from the bed;
  • a lift-up cover made up of a hollow body whose lower part is provided with holes for distributing water, disincrustant and/or disinfectant, articulated onto said bowl;
  • means for feeding warm or cold air to said lift-up cover, for drying the interior of the device after it has been washed; and
  • means for dispensing the descaling and/or disinfectant product,
   all this so arranged that the lift-up cover is designed to take up a lowered cleaning position, covering the bowl, in which the water irrigation and/or drying means for the device can be activated, and a raised operational position, in which said irrigation means are deactivated and in which the animal can defecate, it being possible to fit the device movably in a dwelling or in a communal area.
According to another characteristic of the invention, the device includes valve means for feed to the irrigation means, designed to cut off that feed when the lift-up cover is in its raised position.
In an alternative form of embodiment of the invention, the device can be adapted to a conventional sink, the irrigation means then being formed by the tap of the sink itself, and the products carried away during washing being poured in the sink drain.
According to another form of embodiment, the lift-up cover is driven electrically.
Brief description of the drawings
There follows below a detailed description of preferred, though not exclusive, forms of embodiment of this invention, for a better understanding of which some drawings are attached, provided merely by way of non-restrictive example, in which:
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first form of embodiment of the device of the invention, with its cover in its lowered cleaning position;
  • Fig. 2 is a view similar to that of Fig. 1, but with the cover in its raised operational position;
  • Fig. 3 is a section view of the device of Fig. 1; and
  • Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a second form of embodiment of the device of the invention.
  • Detailed description of the drawings
    In said drawings it can be seen that, according to a first form of embodiment shown in particular in Figs. 1 to 3, the sanitary device of the invention for the defecation of household animals is made up of a plate 1, essentially parallelepiped and open at the top, the interior of which is fitted with a grill 4, preferably removable, on which has been deposited a bed of a granular material 2, such as river gravel, sand or small pieces of synthetic plastic material.
    In the case of cats, the granular material 2 preferred for the defecation bed is of a plastic material such as polypropylene or the like, supplied in small pieces or grains, preferably coloured and without shine. In this case, the grains can be made from reuse of plastic materials and have a maximum dimension not exceeding 3 mm, for which reason the grill 4 must have a mesh size of less than 3 mm.
    In any case, the mesh of the grill is such that it does not allow the granular material 2 of the defecation bed above it to pass through. The grill rests on the base 16 of the bowl 1 by means of supporting legs 10 (Fig. 3).
    The bottom of the device is provided with a drainage pipe 3 for eliminating the waste by emptying the device. The drainage pipe is designed to be connected to a household drainage installation and/or to the sewerage network.
    At one of its edges 7, the device has an articulated lift-up cover 5 which is hollow inside and is provided with a supply of water 11 and a supply of warm air 12, together with a plurality of diffuser orifices 6.
    For the water feed11, water can penetrate the lift-up cover along with a certain dosage of descaling and/or disinfectant products, in order to dilute and wash away the stools and clean the device, while through the air supply ducts 12 there can penetrate air which has been previously heated by conventional air-heating means, not shown in the drawings. Said heating means can take the known form of a heating element beside a suitable fan.
    The device can thus be used in two positions: an operational position in which the lift-up cover 5 is raised and in which the supply of water 11 and of air 12 are deactivated, so that the animal can defecate or urinate, as shown in Fig. 2, and a cleaning position in which the lift-up cover 5 is lowered, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3.
    In this last cleaning position, water with descaling and/or disinfectant product can enter the lift-up cover 5 and be evacuated through the orifices 6, in order to drag the stools through the grill for elimination via the drainage pipe 3. Warm air is then fed into the device in order to dry it.
    Cleaning of the device can thus be carried out automatically at its actual location, without any need for the hands of a person to come into contact with the dirty parts of the device.
    Figs. 1 and 2 show that the device is provided with a vertical, rectangular plate 9, positioned adjacent to the lift-up cover 5 when the latter is in its raised position, thereby forming means for the walls on which the device is situated clean and for supporting the leg of the animal, in the case of a dog, in which case the dog will tend to urinate with its leg lifted towards said plate.
    Preferably, the lift-up cover 5 is driven by electrical means, through controls 13 designed to actuate raising or lowering of the lift-up cover, washing with water, or with water and disinfectant, or with water and descaling agent, and drying of the device.
    Preferably, the device includes valve means, not shown, designed to cut off supplies of water and air when the device is in its operational position.
    Optionally, the raising and lowering of the lift-up cover 5 can be driven by motor means, which for the purposes of greater clarity have not been shown in the drawings.
    The nature of the invention having been described sufficiently, together with the way of implementing it, it is noted that all that does not alter, change or modify its fundamental principle can be subject to changes of detail.
    In this respect, it should be understood that although it has been stated that this invention is mainly applicable for household or private uses, its use in public areas also lies within the scope of the inventive concept.

    Claims (4)

    1. Sanitary device for the stools of household animals, of the type which comprises a bowl (1), water irrigation means, disincrustant and/or disinfectant to dilute and wash away the stools and for cleaning the device, the bowl being provided at its essentially lower part with emptying means (3) which can be attached to the pipes of a drain installation, characterised in that it is provided with a porous defecation bed made up of a granular material (2) on which the animal defecates; a grill (4), mounted under the defecation bed and provided with a sieve designed to allow the dissolved stools to pass but not the material from the bed; a lift-up cover (5) made up of a hollow body whose lower part is provided with holes (6) for distributing water, disincrustant and/or disinfectant, articulated onto said bowl (1); means (12) for feeding warm or cold air to said lift-up cover (5) for drying the interior of the device after it has been washed; and means for dispensing the descaling and/or disinfectant product, all this so arranged that the lift-up cover (5) is designed to take up a lowered cleaning position, covering the bowl, in which the water irrigation and/or drying means for the device can be activated, and a raised operational position, in which said irrigation means are deactivated and in which the animal can defecate, it being possible to fit the device movably in a dwelling or in a communal area.
    2. Device as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that it includes valve means for feed to the irrigation means, designed to cut off that feed when the lift-up cover (5) is in its raised position.
    3. Device as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterised in that it can be adapted to a conventional sink, the irrigation means then being formed by the tap of the sink (8) itself, and the products carried away during washing being poured in the sink drain.
    4. Device as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterised in that the lift-up cover (5) is driven electrically.
    EP98941423A 1997-08-29 1998-08-26 Sanitary device for the deposition of domestic animals excrements Expired - Lifetime EP1010365B1 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (3)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    ES09702264U ES1038117Y (en) 1997-08-29 1997-08-29 SANITARY DEVICE FOR THE DEPOSITION OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS.
    ES9702264U 1997-08-29
    PCT/ES1998/000235 WO1999011116A1 (en) 1997-08-29 1998-08-26 Sanitary device for the deposition of domestic animals excrements

    Publications (2)

    Publication Number Publication Date
    EP1010365A1 EP1010365A1 (en) 2000-06-21
    EP1010365B1 true EP1010365B1 (en) 2003-04-16

    Family

    ID=8301033

    Family Applications (1)

    Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
    EP98941423A Expired - Lifetime EP1010365B1 (en) 1997-08-29 1998-08-26 Sanitary device for the deposition of domestic animals excrements

    Country Status (6)

    Country Link
    US (1) US6263834B1 (en)
    EP (1) EP1010365B1 (en)
    AU (1) AU8979798A (en)
    DE (1) DE69813579T2 (en)
    ES (2) ES1038117Y (en)
    WO (1) WO1999011116A1 (en)

    Families Citing this family (21)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    ES2178942B1 (en) * 2000-11-24 2003-11-01 Marin Miguel Gonzalez DEFECATOR FOR COMPANY ANIMALS.
    US6561131B1 (en) * 2002-02-05 2003-05-13 Steven Schwartz Pet toilet and method of cleaning same
    US6792628B1 (en) 2003-02-25 2004-09-21 Humphrey Richard C Animal waste disposal device, system, and methods
    DE602005004409T2 (en) * 2004-04-27 2009-01-15 Carlos Alberto Martinez Lema HYGIENE DEVICE FOR DOGS WITH A BULLY BOWL
    JP4231492B2 (en) * 2004-06-02 2009-02-25 康仁 倉橋 Pet toilets and replacement sheets
    US7409924B2 (en) 2004-07-15 2008-08-12 Lawrence Kates Training, management, and/or entertainment system for canines, felines, or other animals
    US7424867B2 (en) * 2004-07-15 2008-09-16 Lawrence Kates Camera system for canines, felines, or other animals
    US7121228B1 (en) * 2004-07-27 2006-10-17 Klauber Richard M Animal waste disposing assembly
    US8555817B2 (en) * 2005-12-05 2013-10-15 Pet Novations Ltd. Feline exudate apparatus and method
    US20070215058A1 (en) * 2006-03-17 2007-09-20 Spreitzer Eleanor F Cat litter box cleaning system
    US20070289541A1 (en) * 2006-06-16 2007-12-20 Giardina Lawrence P Pet toilet system
    US8468716B1 (en) * 2007-10-23 2013-06-25 Mary A. Walker Pressurized drying system
    ES2306627B1 (en) * 2008-06-24 2009-10-13 Antonio Muñoz Parada "URINARY FOR COMPANY ANIMALS".
    US20100122662A1 (en) * 2008-11-18 2010-05-20 Brandon Kennington Animal toilet
    WO2014204846A1 (en) * 2013-06-17 2014-12-24 Karr Nancy Pet toilet
    US9074376B2 (en) * 2013-08-22 2015-07-07 Brianal Innovations Corp. Apparatus and method for disposing of animal waste down a drain
    ES2541582B1 (en) * 2014-01-21 2016-04-27 Rafael YUANI PANTOJA Domestic toilet for dogs and other pets
    CN108901867A (en) * 2018-05-31 2018-11-30 湖州鸿进自动化科技有限公司 The one dual-purpose structure of pipe of flushing pipe
    CN108739422A (en) * 2018-05-31 2018-11-06 湖州鸿进自动化科技有限公司 The dirt easy cleaning mechanism of Pet's toilet
    CN108901866A (en) * 2018-05-31 2018-11-30 湖州鸿进自动化科技有限公司 The washing and drying machine structure of pet auto-flushing lavatory
    CN108496812A (en) * 2018-05-31 2018-09-07 湖州鸿进自动化科技有限公司 Pet auto-flushing lavatory

    Family Cites Families (17)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    US3793987A (en) * 1973-02-05 1974-02-26 C Rogers Domestic appliance for pets
    US3817213A (en) * 1973-06-06 1974-06-18 Raymond Lee Organization Inc Toilet device for use by dogs
    US3921582A (en) * 1974-02-25 1975-11-25 Kate Sedlmeir Lavatory for dogs and other domesticated pets
    BR7708800A (en) * 1977-12-30 1978-06-20 R Marti SANITARY CANINE BOX
    US4196693A (en) 1978-03-27 1980-04-08 Unversaw A David Water closets for pet use
    US4527511A (en) * 1984-02-01 1985-07-09 Richards Henry B Pet bath and litter box combination
    US4593645A (en) * 1985-05-02 1986-06-10 Dingler Hermann P A Method and apparatus for cleaning a reusable litter contained within a litter box
    FR2609865B1 (en) 1987-01-27 1989-11-17 Alarcon Jean Marc DEVICE FOR REMOVING EXCREMENTS IN LITTER FROM PETS
    FR2630295B3 (en) * 1988-04-20 1990-11-16 Cochet Elisabeth DEJECTION APPARATUS, PARTICULARLY FOR DOMESTIC ANIMALS
    DE3943363C2 (en) * 1989-12-30 1994-03-17 Gordon Eggers Pet abortion, especially for cats, which is automatically cleaned by water using a special device
    ES2034863B1 (en) 1990-05-23 1996-08-16 Martin Antonio Navarro HYGIENIC MODULE FOR COMPANY ANIMALS.
    US5044325A (en) * 1990-12-13 1991-09-03 Ufi, Inc. Ventilated litter box
    US5148771A (en) * 1991-09-03 1992-09-22 Schuett Daniel L Veterinarian infectious waste containment system
    ATE125107T1 (en) 1992-03-06 1995-08-15 Nestle Sa OPEN TOILET FOR DOGS AND CATS.
    US5494001A (en) * 1994-10-19 1996-02-27 Leibowitz; Jake Canine lavatory facility
    ES1032204Y (en) 1995-09-20 1996-09-16 Tarafa Jose Castells WASHBASIN-TOILET-RESIDENCE FOR ANIMALS.
    IL118829A (en) * 1996-07-10 2001-08-08 Pets N People Ltd Litter apparatus

    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    WO1999011116A1 (en) 1999-03-11
    US6263834B1 (en) 2001-07-24
    ES2193551T3 (en) 2003-11-01
    ES1038117U (en) 1998-05-16
    ES1038117Y (en) 1998-11-01
    EP1010365A1 (en) 2000-06-21
    AU8979798A (en) 1999-03-22
    DE69813579T2 (en) 2003-12-24
    DE69813579D1 (en) 2003-05-22

    Similar Documents

    Publication Publication Date Title
    EP1010365B1 (en) Sanitary device for the deposition of domestic animals excrements
    US8863693B2 (en) Animal toilet
    US3949429A (en) Animal commode
    US3757738A (en) Animal commode
    JP3351530B2 (en) Horse synthetic flooring
    US11272683B2 (en) Arrangement for a puppy lavatory with discharge connected to the drain
    US20080178817A1 (en) Animal flush toilet and assembly system
    KR102330905B1 (en) Defecation plate for animal companion
    US20070175400A1 (en) Circular Animal Toilet Enclosure
    US9074376B2 (en) Apparatus and method for disposing of animal waste down a drain
    US6590146B1 (en) Collection device for depositing refuse for disposal
    US6769382B2 (en) Flush toilet for a dog
    KR101353093B1 (en) A toilet for a pet with automatic removing excretion
    CN201308040Y (en) Animal closestool
    KR102308187B1 (en) Poop disposal apparatus for pets
    KR102468557B1 (en) A toilet cleaning device for pets to prevent the smell of defecation
    JP2001346472A (en) Toilet for pet with wire net and urine storage container
    WO2010146611A1 (en) Hygienic device for people and animals
    JP2541018B2 (en) Toilet for pets
    RU10511U1 (en) WC FOR ROOM ANIMALS (OPTIONS)
    JP3038854U (en) Cleaning device for human waste treated sand used in toilets for dogs and cats
    US20240334896A1 (en) Pet lavatory
    CN211881607U (en) Pet defecation ware
    KR200457640Y1 (en) A water bedpan for using pet
    JP2007275041A (en) Standing urination-treating tool for both of interior and exterior of room, in three points-detachable type

    Legal Events

    Date Code Title Description
    PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

    17P Request for examination filed

    Effective date: 20000217

    AK Designated contracting states

    Kind code of ref document: A1

    Designated state(s): CH DE ES FR GB IT LI NL

    GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

    GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

    GRAA (expected) grant

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

    AK Designated contracting states

    Designated state(s): CH DE ES FR GB IT LI NL

    PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: NL

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

    Effective date: 20030416

    Ref country code: LI

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

    Effective date: 20030416

    Ref country code: IT

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRE;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.SCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

    Effective date: 20030416

    Ref country code: CH

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

    Effective date: 20030416

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: GB

    Ref legal event code: FG4D

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: CH

    Ref legal event code: EP

    REF Corresponds to:

    Ref document number: 69813579

    Country of ref document: DE

    Date of ref document: 20030522

    Kind code of ref document: P

    NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
    ET Fr: translation filed
    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: CH

    Ref legal event code: PL

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: ES

    Ref legal event code: FG2A

    Ref document number: 2193551

    Country of ref document: ES

    Kind code of ref document: T3

    PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: GB

    Payment date: 20040203

    Year of fee payment: 6

    PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: ES

    Payment date: 20040205

    Year of fee payment: 6

    PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

    STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

    Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

    PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: DE

    Payment date: 20040223

    Year of fee payment: 6

    PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: FR

    Payment date: 20040226

    Year of fee payment: 6

    26N No opposition filed

    Effective date: 20040119

    PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: GB

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20040826

    PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: ES

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20040827

    PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: DE

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20050301

    GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

    Effective date: 20040826

    PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: FR

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20050429

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: FR

    Ref legal event code: ST

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: ES

    Ref legal event code: FD2A

    Effective date: 20040827